Holiday special events planned at Colonel Palmer House

CRYSTAL LAKE – In conjunction with the Crystal Lake Centennial "Winter Festival," two new programs are being offered at the Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave.

The home built in 1858 will be decorated in holiday splendor for "Classic Christmas Bedtime Stories" and a "Victorian Holiday Tea."

From 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13, 17 and 20, the public is invited to cozy up in the front parlor of the Colonel Palmer House as Mrs. Claus reads "Classic Christmas Bedtime Stories" to children ages 2 to 7. Children should wear their pajamas and bring their favorite blanket and stuffed animal. Juice, milk and cookies will be served in the back parlor along with a surprise by St. Nick. The fee is $13 for resident children and $19 for nonresident children.

On Dec. 15, the Colonel Palmer House will host a "Victorian Holiday Tea." Two seatings will be offered at 12:30 and 3 p.m. as costumed staff serves guests a sumptuous luncheon tea. The afternoon will conclude with a lively round of parlor games and an exhibit of antique toys on loan from members of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. The costs is $15 for resident adults and $10 for resident children 4 to 12 years old. The cost for nonresidents is $23 for adults and $15 for children 4 to 12.

Register for these events through the Crystal Lake Park District at www.crystallakeparks.org or in person at the Park District Administration Building at 1 Crystal Lake Ave.

For information, call the park district at 815-459-0680 or email palmerhouse@crystallakeparks.org.